Pasture yields and consumption under grazing conditions
1939
Fuelleman, R.F. | Burlison, W.L.
Data are presented showing calculated yields and consumption of pasturage at Urbana, Illinois. The yield curves of pasture grasses parallel rather closely precipitation curves but are the reverse of temperature curves; when temperature increases the tendency for grass yields is to decrease. Alfalfa is rather uniformly productive throughout the grazing season. Kentucky bluegrass has been used frequently as a basis of comparison with other grasses, and although it may have some serious defects, there is little likelihood that it can be equalled for general adaptation, utility, and persistence. Brome grass persistently out-yielded all the other grasses used for pasturage at this station during 1935, 1936, and 1937. It apparently has a high degree of palatability as indicated by a comparison of the curves of consumption and production. In addition to its yielding capacity and apparent palatability, it has persisted remarkably well. Orchard grass has given very good results, particularly in the light of its frequent indictments for unpalatability. If growth and consumption are a criterion of palatability, then orchard grass seems to rank almost equally with Kentucky bluegrass, long considered the standard for comparison. Reed canary grass is not relished by cattle, particularly when it becomes stemmy. Indications point to a restricted use for pasturage, particularly on land adapted to other pasture crops. However, it has a place both as a hay and pasture plant on land subjected to periodic inundation.
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